the president is also meeting with 13 heads of civil rights groups to discuss his negotiations with congress to avert automatic tax increases and spending cuts that are set to go into effect on january 1. obama wants tax increases on the wealthy but many republicans say they will not accept higher tax rates. >>> and the red ink gets deeper for the financially troubled u.s. postal service. the agency reported a record loss of almost $16 billion for the fiscal year that ended on september 30. the postal service is not taxpayer-funded. it blames much of the problems on congress for forcing it to pay a fund for future retiree health benefits. you know, $16 billion, that's a big loss for them. we know they have been struggling but not getting any better. >> not at all. >> doesn't sound like it. ashley, i have to tell you that frank bought himself an early christmas present. just got it in the mail yesterday? >> i got it yesterday. it's the new iphone 5 and i love it. i just can't see it because i can't really see very well. [ laughter ] but they're great. >> reporter: good for you! and that's tru